Basta FDA approved! PSG says Duterte may try Russian vaccine

By Prince Golez

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) said they will allow President Rodrigo Duterte to receive Russia’s coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine, but, on one condition.

“As long as the vaccine is approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and DOH (Department of Health),” said PSG commander Colonel Jesus Durante III told reporters Wednesday evening.

Durante issued the statement after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source on Wednesday, said the PSG will have the final say on whether the President will take the vaccine once it becomes available.

Last Monday, Duterte expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he previously referred to as his “favorite hero,” for his willingness to supply the Philippines with Covid-19 vaccines. The former Davao City mayor also volunteered to take the first shot.

“Pagdating ng bakuna, in public, para walang satsat diyan, in public magpa-injection ako. Ako ‘yung maunang ma-eksperimentuhan. Okay para sa akin. Sabihin ko rin kay President Putin na malaki ang tiwala ko sa [kanilang] studies in combatting COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity,” said Duterte.

“Kaya ako para ipakita ko sa kanila na nagtiwala ako at hindi sila nagkamali nag-offer, ako pagdating, ‘yung doktor nila o doktor natin, ako ang unang magpabakuna. Tingnan natin kung puwede ba. Kung puwede sa akin, puwede sa lahat,” he added.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)